Florida homeowner featured on ‘60 Minutes’ wants class action against insurer

Virginia and Jeff Rapkin, homeowners in North Port, Florida, are pursuing legal action against Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance Co. for alleged fraud following Hurricane Ian, which caused severe damage to their property. The couple's home suffered a catastrophic impact from the storm, leading to a significant insurance claim. Although an adjuster estimated their damages at over $231,000, Heritage initially offered them only $15,000, which they claim constitutes fraud under state law. Featured in a September segment of ‘60 Minutes,’ the Rapkins are now seeking to transform their suit into a class action to include other affected Floridians.

Their attorney believes that thousands of homeowners may have faced similar fraud tactics from various insurance companies across the state. Heritage has defended its position, stating it paid out $372,871 in response to their claim, but the Rapkins insist the company's actions have been misleading. Jeff Rapkin emphasized the importance of exposing this issue, stating, “People need to know I’m not alone. I’m just the one who landed on TV. ” This case highlights broader concerns about insurance practices in Florida, particularly in the wake of natural disasters.